knitSB shows us his

Not one to be left out of all the fun, knitSB shows us his in response to my previous post.



Bag from Old Navy (purchased on sale for $5)
Pencil Pouch from KnitMeredith.
Lopi Socks in Lamb's Pride Lanaloft
Plymouth Bamboo Knitting Needles size 11 DPN
Red Wolfe Lodge in Squaw Valley parking permit
DPN needle holders (with MY DPNs in them. I bought more needles!) Size 2.25 mm
Pranic Healing journal
Sassy Strips, Cascade yarn, 1 skein
 purchased at Cast-on Cafe in Willoughby, OH
Lopi Socks for BIL Jack for Thanksmas 2009
Calorimetry from Knitty Winter 2006
Lamb's Pride Bulky label from a previous project

#1 takes to the Road

My longtime friend #1 got a motorcycle!
Although I can't see her face, I know there is a H U G E grin on her face.



#1 is a great lady. We've known each other almost 19 years. We've had lots of fun together. She was so excited when a friend connected her to a person trying to sell his motorcycle. The bike was perfect for her 5'4" frame. She took her brother to view the bike and got his approval. She made it happen.  Of course, she took a motorcycle class so she could get the appropriate license. It all happened quickly as good things often do for good people.

Safe Travels!

Noro Kureyon Zipper Cardigan Spotting

I was out knitting with friends Friday and saw this sweater. It's knit using Noro Kureyon in a color that I used for a vest. It was a lovely zipper cardi that had perfectly matching sleeves.  This was a beautiful sweater with a great collar. I was across the room and used my digital zoom in poor lighting so the quality is poor.

I believe the color is 55.

KnitMary shows us hers

In response to my previous vlog, knitmary shows us hers.

This is Mary's Schoolhouse Press knitting bag. Scroll down a bit on this page to see the details.

Briar Rose Fourth of July Yarn
Baby Sweater Cotton Kisses available from Knitters Mercantile
Namaste Bags with snaps and mesh bags Cali Collection OH SNAP!
Highlighter Tape
Rowan Colourscape yarn
Here's a photo of her progress on the vest. And I snapped a lovely photo of the yarn wound into a cake.  I thought it was quite lovely.

Addi Lace needles
Scarf Idea (fisherman's scarf)
Brendon's Fiber Works (coming soon)
Schoolhouse Press Slip-n-Snip scissors. (almost at the bottom of this page)

Interviewing KnitMary

KnitMary is one of my longest knitting friends.
Red Bird Knits Sock Clubs  (I did a previous post about Red Bird Knits Sock clubs found here.)
We talk about the self imposed sock club inspired by the Yarn Harlot. YH's sock club blog post, post and post.
She's got 16 kits that she wants to make to the end of 2011.
Mega Boot Sock from Meilenweit

You can learn more about KnitMary on this knitrific blog post. 

Knitting iPhone Apps

I've been enjoying some of the knitting applications for the iPhone. The knit buddy is starting to be used more because of the multiple counters that can be made for different projects.(I can't find this in the app store)

I'm disappointed in the Sock Calc because it cannot be adjusted who tall to make the sock. The measurements start from just below the knee and that is where the sock starts. I don't wear socks that are that high on my calf. Yes, I can just not knit them that high, but I wish it gave me the option of how high to start on the calf. And it calculates decreases for the ankles. It would be great if this app also did toe up.

iKnit Needle Sizer is one of my favorites. I use this a lot as I'm searching for a needle in the right size.  It's easy to use and so convenient.

Vogue Knitting  is an new app for me. It gives some good resource information. I'll let you know how it goes as I get used to it.

Lion Brand is an app from the yarn company. It's really a way for you to find all their patterns. 

KnitGauge isn't the most accurate way to check gauge, but it's convenient. :)

Crochet Dude is a way to keep up with Drew. It links his twitter and youtube. Kinda fun.

StitchMinder has some potential, but I've not gotten into it completely.

What apps do you like for your iPhone (and why). 

Nextvangogh finished her socks

Remember the interview I did with nextvangogh?
She talked about her current knitting project, the Vorticity Socks. I got a tweet from her that said she was finished with the socks.  Here's her blog post about her socks. Leave her a message and tell her how good they look.

I took the picture of her socks so you could see them.

Thanks again for letting me interview your voice, nextvangogh. :) 

Scrapping Weddings

This past weekend, knitSB and I attended the commitment ceremony for friends of ours. It was  a beautiful ceremony, filled with smiles, laughter and love. This couple was surrounded by friends and family who love them both. It was wonderful to be included in the celebration. 

As part of the reception, N&A asked people to create a scrapbook page to become part of their wedding album.  They provided an instant camera, markers, scrapbooking paper, glue, etc. to make this fun for everyone. Of course, they provided some costumes so the guests could personalize the images. 

This is the page that we created.  You might notice that I'm knitting on my socks in the picture.

I think this is a great idea!

Slip-Stitch Cable Socks

I showed you yesterday what was in my knitting bag.
I wanted to shared with you my new socks, the Slip-Stitch Cable Socks from the Little Box of Socks.



The needles I purchased from the internet store
The yarn is Jazz Handpaints from Twisted Sisters.

I need your help! What are your favorite sock patterns?
I'm going to be creating my own sock club and need suggestions for patterns knit using a variety of yarn weights.


gosh, I kind rambled in this vlog.

I'll Show You Mine...

...if you show me yours.

I mean, what's inside my knitting bag.  I picked up a new knitting bag from the Columbus Art Museum Shop on Friday.  It's an appropriate size bag that is easy to carry over my shoulder and small enough for my travel sock knitting.  Here's what I have in my bag.



Now, will you show me yours?

Visiting the Columbus Museum of Art

I visited the Columbus Museum of Art on Friday to visit the Fur, Fins & Feathers Exhibit.



The museum is under construction with an expected opening of January 1, 2011
Chihuly Illuminated Exhibit
Alice in Wonderland Chess Set. Alice in Wonderland Movie
White Rabbit video by Jefferson Airplane
The Artist's Way
Roman Rib Socks (still on the needles)
Knit Picks Sock Garden 
I picked up another knitting bag at the Museum Gift Shop

knittingbrow interviews nextvangogh's voice

ack! spoiler alert for the Hazel Knits Sock Club!


I had a wonderful surprise this afternoon to knit with nextvangogh at a crimson cup. She had just picked up some yarn so I wanted to interview her for the blog. However, she didn't want to be on video so I interview her voice :). Actually, she's holding the camera.

Temptations in Dublin
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
Crimson Cup
Vorticity Sock rav link
Socks That Rock Bella Coola
Blue Moon Fiber Arts
Neighborhood Fiber Company
Hazel Knits Sock Club Sugar & Spice. (I think this is very nice yarn)
The blog (but it doesn't seem to be that active. :)
Charybdis Pattern on Ravelry.

and a funny video I took of a lady who struggles staying up on her high heeled shoes.

wildflowers shawl

wildflowers shawl
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

I'm working on a shawl as a donation to a silent auction. I'm making a simple shawl using this Classic Elite Wildflowers yarn that I bought on my first trip to San Francisco.

The yarn is mohair, cotton and rayon. It's a beautiful color with some interesting texture. However, the rayon ribbon stretches and is difficult to knit evenly. Actually, it's huge pain in the butt to knit. This is why I haven't been able to knit a complete project out of the yarn.

I'm making a simple shawl on size 15mm needles. I am thinking of adding a waves edging but haven't decided how I'm going to finish it. I hope to finish to on Friday so it will make it to the auction.

Question for you: Should I just make a simple garter shawl in the typical triangle and let the yarn make the difference...or should I put an edge on it?

Being a Male Knitter

I got asked a good questions from Anthony. Anthony helps with the Fiber Beat Podcast. Have you heard the podcast? No?! It's very informative and worth a listen if you're into knitting.

Anthony helps with the production of Fiber Beat. I answer a couple of his questions.



If you have a question you want me to answer, please leave a comment. I'll answer just about anything.

Roman Rib Socks from Little Box of Socks

I'm sharing a picture of my Roman Rib Socks progress.


The pattern is from the Little Box of Socks.
I'm using Memories sock yarn from Knit Picks in the color Pansy. I've tried knitting four different projects with this yarn and haven't been pleased until now. I'm enjoying the way the colors are finally working in this rib stitch. The yarn must not have been very popular with Knit Picks because it has been discontinued.

I'm using size 2.25 mm dpns.

Fountain Pens

I went to the Mall at Tuttle Crossing to visit Paradise Pens on Sunday with the M's. She needed to find refills for her Waterman fountain pen. They had them!



I snapped a photo of this display.

They have a new Sherpa Pen case. Interesting way to dress up your sharpie pen.
I bought a Lamy Safari Pen. It's a nice pen. You might want to pick one up for yourself. Not a huge investment and a nice introduction to using a fountain pen. Apparently, E Gordon Gee favors these pens in red. I expect he buys them by the dozens.
The Cartier Pens are beautiful.

Denise, the store manager, was the perfect person to help us. I enjoy talking to people who are passionate about what they do and Denise is passionate about fountain pens.

M's Swift Book

M's Swift Book
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

The law of attraction tells people to expect to have those things/experience in our lives. We were at the Book Loft and Margaret said " I feel like I should just look at this window and be looking at my book in the window." I said, "I'll take a picture of you pointing at it."

Alright world, expect to see a book published by this wonderful woman quite soon.

Have you seen these?

I was going through some old blog posts and ran across this knitted item. see the

1996
Tamponsokjes
objecten
textiel
5,5 x 1,5 x 1,5 cm

So, would you knit one of these?

http://www.feliekevanderleest.com/sieraden.php?id=0&l=nl

Can I Pull This Off?

Over the weekend, I spent time with the M's and had a great time. We stopped at Global Gallery where if found an inexpensive pair of red shoes from Egypt. They are comfortable. But I ask you this..."Can I pull this off or do I look like some sort of gay superhero?"


The quote is from a line from the movie Jeffrey. Patrick Stewart's character, Sterling, is an eccentric man who isn't afraid to be himself and loves his partner who is dying. He has a scene with Jeffrey, the main character, while they are shopping. The gives the line as he flips a red scarf around his neck. I can't find the scene from Jeffrey by itself, but you can watch it here, start at 17 seconds.  : P

Family Clock

Family Clock
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

I scored this clock during the boys fishing trip. It is the clock that was in the dining room of my childhood home. It got moved out when we cleaned out the house when mom moved after Dad died. I lost track of it.

It was in my brother's garage and was very dirty and need of repairs. I brought it home and spent a little bit of time today cleaning it up and working on the clock mechanism. It is now working in our "Brown Room" and appears to be keeping time correctly.

I only wish it chimed like the one in the family room. The living room clock needed winding every 28 days or so. I remember watching Dad take the key to wind it. Strange how this is one of my childhood memories. Such a small event, etched into my memory.

I thought Mom was going to keep that one and has it in the garage at the new place. I asked her about it on a visit a year or so back and it was given to another family member. I hope it keeps great time and I'm glad it's with family.

Do you have a memory like this associated with a clock? Just wondering.

Sipping left hand sawtooth ale

Sipping left hand sawtooth ale
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

This is me sipping a left hand sawtooth ale at Yellow Brick Pizza on Friday.  The happy hour is T-F 4-7 and include half price drafts. Good ale & great pizza. I'll have to stop again soon. I had a delightful day on Friday taking time to visit the North Market and visiting a few shops in the Short North. It was really hot.

Fortunately I was able to knit on a sock while walking. I think I've found the right needle size and pattern for this yarn that I'm tired of seeing in my house.  I've tried 4 different patterns for this yarn. I'll post a picture of the yarn a bit later, after I find the tag. I believe it's Knit Picks Memories.in the color Pansy. Yarndex link.

Parking is expensive

Parking is expensive
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

Recently the city of Columbus has changed parking meters in the Short North area. This is a picture of the newly rated meter on Goodale Ave next to Goodale Park. A quarter for 20 minutes, three hours maximum, enforced until 10 pm. This is a meter that used to be 12 hour meter for about 3 bucks.

Why do I care? I'll be enjoying working with the Columbus Children's Theatre's production of the Dinosaur Musical in the fall. I'll be trying to park close to the theatre and will end up being in the area for 4-5 hours. The evening performances start at 7:30 but families come early for dinner. 3 hours isn't enough time.

I have to be at the theater at least one hour early and stay about an hour after performances. This makes it very difficult to visit the Short North.

Pay attention City of Columbus. I wouldn't be surprised I businesses suffer because of this rate change. It is no longer coat effective for me to do my work in the theatre. No parking, difficult parking and expensive parking. I don't want this to be three strikes and I'm out.

Review: Boys Fishing Trip 2010

13 years and running (I think it's 13 years but past posts say this may be year 15.)




Reading 4 books at once. It's actually 5 that he was reading.
Listening to numerous devices including minidisc players & satellite radio.(okay, he only brought 3 devices)
Computers! Great advice from my brother.
Fishing! Arts & Crafts! Making lures.
Ask any question!  Really. Except that silly thing I asked related to fishing line. I deserve it. Here's the blog post on that.
Caring for their kids.
I like this picture a lot. I called it "Watchful Eye." It seems smart kids are being raised.

We miss John.

These are the shorts John wore to each fishing trip. After he died, one brother made a case for the shorts and he brings it out each year.

We miss Dad.  Here's the post I made that included his eulogy.

Go enjoy your family.

Cool websites I heard about this year.
newegg
shoebuy.com
malwarebytes anti-malware
pricegrabber.com
tigerdirect.com
I completely forgot to talk about the burn piles!  I blogged about my burn pile and fire obsession previously here and here.

Pictures of Sock Monkeys

Yep, it's sock monkey madness. I wanted to share some pictures of the sock monkeys that were created by some of the ladies at Jitterz.

The line-up


The Headless Sock Monkey


Sara's Monkey created without using a pattern. Imagine, Sara not using a pattern.


Already Favored Monkey
Grandma told me that this monkey has already been claimed by the recipient and is getting carried around under arm. It looks cute when Grandma demonstrated. :)


Tattooed Monkey
Exactly where are those a ssless chaps? 


Martian Beach Monkey
Bright enough to need sunglasses to view.

What a fun group of people! Thanks for being such great students!

Sock Monkey Fun

This is for Patrick, the gentleman who selected the colors for this Sock Monkey. Remember from yesterday's vlog, this is a Martian Monkey going to the beach.



Remember the sock monkey with the tattoos? I thought a nose piercing would perfect the look. So, I pierced the sock monkey's nose. I think a couple of stitch markers would make nice nipple rings. I wonder, does this sock monkey have a name?

Sock Monkeys Attack!

I had something fun happen to me at my last "class" at Jitterz in Kenton.






Last class at Jitterz (Thomas Jitterz Coffee Company)
EPS (scroll down to read a definition)
Flower Basket Shawl
Baby Surprise Jacket
What classes did they want me to teach in the fall? They wanted me to teach a Sock Monkey Class.  Ew. Did you know there is an entire website dedicated to knitted sock monkeys?
Monkeys
"Pet the Monkey, the monkey likes you." Heads Up Trix
Gasp! Did you catch all the things I said?

I bet you can come up with lots and lots of monkey references.  Leave a comment in the blog post. Perhaps the best comment wins a prize? Perhaps. Post by August 22, 2010. Random Number generator selects winner.

The 2010 Burn Pile

Yep, it's an annual thing.

Just the burn pile from the 2010 Boys Fishing Trip. Always a food sign when you have to start a burn pile using a roman candle. Oh, an sorry abt that second roman candle. I thought it misfired. No one was harmed in the making of this video and everyone was sober.

Another Broken DPN!

grrrr.
While knitting on my Evil Sock Genius Socks, one of my size 2.25 mm Rosewood Colonial Needles broke! Snapped right in two. I wasn't happy.



Oh, you get to see Maddy & Hugo in this video. They were a bit rowdy and playing.

Is it just me snapping needles in half?
Has this happened to you?

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams and Sock Knitting :)

I eat Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams Sweet Corn & Black Raspberries
with the sample spoon to make the fun last a bit longer. 
Yarmando's Evil Sock Genius Socks
Noro Kureyon Sock

Knitting Q&A for July 2010

AsKatKnits on plurk asked me
"When did you start knitting?? What do you like to knit, what is a challenge..."
Rowan asked me
"Do you ever get "knitters block" where you don't want to knit or can't find a project or UFO you want to do?"

Knitgrrl's Guide to Professional Knitwear Design

I got mail!



Shannon Okey

Knitgrrl Guide to Professional Knitwear Design
The Shannon tweet (I can't find the one announcing the book release)
The Stephanie Tweet. The Stephanie Interview with Shannon.
Cooperative Press and you can order the book from Cooperative Press here. It's available in print, digital, Kindle, iPhone, Nook & Sony versions. Makes it easy to save resources and be able to have Shannon looking over your shoulder helping you. (or prodding you to just do it...and take control for yourself). Interested in how Cooperative Press came to be? Read about it here.
It's true. I thought this book would help me understand designing and I could use this information when I teach knitting classes. On closer inspection, it probably won't. I'm going to enjoy the book because it seems like I'm sitting with Shannon and chatting with her.  There's humor, directness, honesty and support. A nice addition to the vast collection of information available in the book. 
I get all caught up in the excitement when someone I've met (Shannon), publishes a book. We've never chatted, had a drink, eaten Jeni's together or anything like that. It's one of those "brushes with greatness." Shannon, the next time I visit Cleveland, should I bring Jeni's with me?

CCAD and Knitting

KnitBeth asked me almost a year ago about my experiences at Columbus College of Art and Design. Her email came after my Albums I gave to knitSB.



I did go back to CCAD about 10 years ago and took some Fashion Design classes. These were really enjoyable for me and taught me how to make flat patterns from 36 measurements taken from the body. I also learned how to construct garments from those flat patterns.

Take any class from Carol Griffith. Her gallery of art. She's a great teacher.

Sorry it's taken so long to get to this. I hope Brock has a great freshman year.

Waves and Piers Socks

Waves and Piers Socks
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

Waves & Piers socks from the Little Box of Socks using Regia design line Kaffe Fassett. I am disappointed in the fit of this "forethought" heel. The heel sticks out at the edge and there isn't enough transition between the st pattern and the heel so there is a bit of sagging of the leg. I dropped down two needle sizes to create a sturdier heel I think I should have just the entire sock on the size zero needles for an overall better, sturdier fabric. By the end of the day, the leg of the socks slide down to my ankles a bit. Not too badly but I noticed at the end of the day.

I love the design of these socks and how enjoyable they were to knit. I had some struggle with determining the proper length before starting the toe decreases. I ripped back the first toes about two rows past where I started them the first round and dropped down to a zero needle. That helped a lot. I also noticed it was difficult for me to start the garter top pattern. It was only a 10 rows or so, but with 5 needles, I found it a bit rough to handle the 5 needles used to knit the sock. These are my 3rd or 4th pair of socks knit using 5 needles. I an getting used to it.

Yes, I am planning on knitting another pair of socks using this pattern. I enjoy the visual interest of the stripping and the overall lace pattern. (Can I call this a lace pattern?). I would drop down to a size 0 US needle.

Click on the photo to go to my flickr pages for two other shots of these socks.

I have a boy crush

Here's the Urban Dictionary's definition for boy crush: "When a guy really admires another guy, but not necessarily in a sexual or romantic way. Opposite would be a girl crush."

WonderMike of the Fiber Beat Podcast. I first met him on the Y knit podcast with hizKNITS.  What I loved about the podcast was the humor and music matched what I like.
Let's Shear It for the Boys podcast
Men's Knitting Retreat history can be found on this Y Knit episode.
Verb for Keeping Warm
Click here and scroll down a bit to see the picture of WonderMike's Big Hair. His tag line And I Ran... is from the A Flock of Seagulls first album. I played the album over and over again back in the '80s.  The video is classic '80s.

I hope you don't mind the boy crush, WonderMike. I enjoy reading WM's blog.

Purple Earth Socks Top View

Purple Earth Socks Top View
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

I wore these socks today and was very pleased with how they felt and wore. I find myself having to pull up my store bought socks so often during the day that I considered looking for sock garters. I didn't once need to pull up these socks. :). The ribbing was sturdy and the overall fit perfect. The top part of the rib is K2p2. Below that is a round 1 K3P3 row, round 2 is K1P. I this this was a st pattern used for the first Sock Wars Sock. I wanted to share how happy I was with these socks. You should knit yourself a pair.
I blogged about these socks last week. Can you tell I'm really happy?

Knit using the Evil Sock Genius Pattern (Alpha version) in Claudia Hand Painted Yarns Fingering Merino in the color "Purple Earth." I did magic loop on a size 2.5mm Addi Turbo circular needle.

Boys Fishing 2010

Boys Fishing 2010
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

Every year at the end of the Boys Fishing trip we take a photo of the brothers. Here are the remaining four boys. I'm on the left hiding my knitting behind my back for the photo. I thought it best to hide the knitting because everyone else didn't have their favorite thing with them. :)

I had a wonderful time this year. The fishing was terrible bit the weather was pleasant overall. We only had only a few spots of rain but we were able to get some things done. I needed this trip.

I'll be posting a few more photos and thoughts this week about the trip. I won't be able to share too many details because "what happens during boys fishing, stays at boys fishing."